Ask the Web.AppStorm Editor #1

We’re kicking off another new post series today, called “Ask the Editor”. This is a great way for you to ask questions about Web software (or related hardware) and AppStorm and I will share my responses. Whether you’re dying to know where you should store your photos, are seeking the best of the best apps, or you want to know how to accomplish something with a web app, I’m here to help!

I’ve had some great questions submitted this week, so read on to find out what my responses are (and how you can submit your own questions for the next article!)

Which app vertical would be lucrative in the future given the app overload across the board?

- Justin Stravarious

Great question! As I’m sure we’ve all noticed, there’s no shortage of task and project management, social media, email, and invoicing web apps. These areas are highly competitive and really, there are so many web apps in these, and similar, fields that people sometimes reach a point where they’re overwhelmed.

While there are many highly lucrative areas in the world of web apps that haven’t fully been tapped, I believe games is a big one. To some extent, this is already being tapped into with games like FarmVille and the relatively new game system and marketplace, OnLive.

FarmVille

However, some of Web.AppStorm’s top search key words pertain to gaming. People are searching for browser-based games and they’re willing to pay. Browsers are consistently becoming more powerful and new web technology is making it easier for game developers to produce better games that aren’t requiring downloads any more.

OnLive

We’ve all seen what a well built marketplace can do for app sales too (ex. iPhone games). While desktop gaming is still more popular, we’re slowly transitioning into cloud-based computing and gaming will of course follow. Just think about playing your favorite Call of Duty title any time, any where, from any major browser.

I’m developing a web app which will be completed soon. How can I market or publicize it without spending much?

- Vailancio Rodrigues

Social media. You don’t need to go out and spend lots of money on advertising and big marketing campaigns to get users to your web app. We’ve all seen plenty of clever videos that have gone viral (viral marketing) and cost almost nothing to produce. Achieving viral status, however, is much harder to accomplish than you might think.

While you can make an attempt at viral marketing, there are also plenty of other ways to get the word out with little to no money.